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Hawaii Foodbank has announced a $1 million donation from the Airbnb Community Fund that will help to provide food for approximately 2 million meals to families, kupuna and keiki in need across the islands.

Airbnb’s donation will benefit all affiliate food bank partners across the islands — including The Food Basket on Hawaii Island — to support communities statewide.

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“We’re deeply grateful for Airbnb’s incredible generosity,” Hawaii Foodbank President and CEO Amy Miller said in a press release. “Many in our communities continue to struggle with rising costs, and we’re seeing firsthand the increased demand for food assistance. This support from Airbnb will enable us to continue to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors across the state while also providing an opportunity for us to leverage the donation to tackle food insecurity in the future.”

Food insecurity in Hawaii has been reaching critical levels in recent years. The donation comes at a time when Hawaii Foodbank is serving an average of 170,000 individuals each month — an increase from previous years, reflecting the growing economic hardships facing local households.

The donation is part of the Airbnb Community Fund, an initiative Airbnb launched in 2020 to directly support local communities and the people who live there. The Hawaii Foodbank is one of this year’s grant recipients, which includes more than 160 organizations making a difference in over 30 countries across six continents.

“The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank, would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Airbnb for this incredible gift,” Kristin Frost Albrecht, executive director at The Food Basket, said in the press release. “Given that 40% of Hawaii Island’s households are food insecure, this generous donation will go to immediate good use to help our many island families who are struggling daily to put food on their tables.”

“Airbnb and local hosts are deeply committed to strengthening communities throughout Hawaii,” said Janaye Ingram, Airbnb Community Partner Programs director. “This Airbnb Community Fund donation will support the important work of the food banks to combat food insecurity across the islands, helping make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.”